Resort, parks and open spaces PSPO

We have a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) operating across the resort, our parks and open spaces and council land.

The order was introduced due to the following issues:

Concerns of safety
Concerns of Partners
Links to the Habitat Management Plan and considering Protected species, heritage, archaeology, and natural habitats
NELC has a legal duty under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 as a competent authority, to manage and protect the species and habitats of the Humber Estuary / Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), within the local authority boundary.

It is also part of the council’s wider management strategy for the Cleethorpes Coastline and forms an integral part of the delivery of the Cleethorpes Habitat Management Plan.

Public consultation was carried out and the results show 98% of respondents believe that our parks and open spaces, including the beach and seafront, should be safe and clean for all to use.

You can be issued with a fixed penalty of £100 if you breach the order. If you fail to pay the fixed penalty, it is likely you will be prosecuted in the magistrates’ court and be fined up to £1,000.

Prohibited activities

This prohibition is introduced to prevent damage to the Site of Special Scientific Interest and Special Protection Area features and other protected habitats within the borough. It is also preventative from a safety perspective as this would reduce the risk of wildfires starting in protected habitats, open spaces, croplands and buildings and homes. In addition, debris often left following an open fire can harm and kill certain wildlife. The resultant litter is also a nuisance and would need removing.

This prohibition is introduced due to public safety reasons. The slipways need to be kept clear so to allow resort team officers and the coastguard access in case of emergencies.

This prohibition is introduced due to problems with illegal encampments and overnight camping/caravanning on council land which is not suitable for such activities. The impact of such is differing but, likely to be anti-social and in some circumstances which can contribute to the fear of crime and can be intimidating for visitors and residents.

This prohibition is introduced to prevent damage to Site of Special Scientific Interest and Special Protection Area features and other protected habitats within the borough. It would also be preventative from a safety perspective as this would reduce the risk of wildfires starting in protected habitats, open spaces, croplands and buildings and homes.

This prohibition is introduced following reported incidents from swimmers/paddleboarders following issues in the water with jet ski users.

This prohibition is introduced to ensure public safety by preventing take off/landing in parks/open spaces which can present a danger to residents/visitors using the space for other leisure activities. This follows several safety reports and complaints from residents of Para motorists flying too close to housing and people. In addition, preventing this will protect the Site of Special Scientific Interest and Special Protection Area areas, wildlife and protected habitats, open spaces, croplands.

This prohibition is introduced to prevent land, habitats and for public safety reasons. While the act of metal detecting does not itself create a public safety risk, the resultant hole created does cause environmental damage, this may be to the Site of Special Scientific Interest and Special Protection Area features or other protected/wildlife, local nature reserves including the ancient woodland of Bradley Woods or any parks and open spaces.

It also disturbs the local habitat and species in their own environment which may be protected, rare or locally important including local archaeology and scheduled Monuments.

In addition, all parks and open spaces are operational and require consideration of public health and safety. Unfilled holes are likely to cause injury or harm.

Introducing the PSPO is also supported for the following reasons:

There are laws concerning protected sites, and of particular importance within North East Lincolnshire and the whole Humber Estuary, is the Humber Estuary Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) which is also protected in law as a Special Protection Area (SPA), Special Area of Conservation (SAC), International Wetland of Importance under the Ramsar Convention, and a European Marine Site (EMS).
The protected area within North East Lincolnshire is the whole of the coastline from the northern boundary in Immingham to the southern boundary at Tetney Marshes/Fitties car park.
There are also environmental concerns for habitats and species that can include seasonal variations, scheduled Monuments, registered archaeological sites, Priority Habitats and Species, Local Wildlife and Geological Sites.
All parks and open spaces in NELC ownership are operational and require consideration of public health and safety. Unfilled holes are likely to cause injury or harm.
Metal detecting is already prohibited under a byelaw.
Public safety is at risk regarding unfilled holes, unexploded ammunition, shallow-capped land-fill sites.
A financial and reputational risk of insurance claims from non-backed filled holes and recovered detritus, and damage to grounds maintenance machinery.

You must apply for prior consent before your intended visit and provide proof of consent if you are asked for it. For more information see Prior Consent for Metal Detecting.

This prohibition is introduced to allow the council to manage and control lakes and ponds and to regulate to avoid bad practices, littering, harm to wildlife and damage and disturbance to wildlife. You must buy a ticket and have a licence to fish at the Cleethorpes Boating Lake, Cleethorpes Country Park and Sidney Park.

This prohibition is introduced to protect the Site of Special Scientific Interest and Special Protection Area and ensure the council has have robust enforcement measures in place for anyone who breaches the current permitting scheme in place.

To protect the SSSI/SPA/SAC through regulation requiring adherence to legislation under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) section 28 (4)(b) substituted by Schedule 9 to the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.

Permits for bait digging are available from the Resort Hub, 139 Central Promenade, Cleethorpes DN35 8SE.

This prohibition is introduced due to the levels of obstruction that officers engaged in this area of enforcement are subjected to by certain members of the public which is evidenced by other PSPOs operated within the borough. This obstruction can be the wilful interference of a third party to disrupt the issuance process between an offender and officer or similar obstruction.

Read the full Resorts, Parks and Open Space PSPO Order (PDF, 2MB) .

Report a PSPO breach

You can report a Public Space Protection Order breach on the MyNelincs portal.

Public Space Protection Order